Mississippi is ending its statewide mask-wearing order, Gov. Tate Reeves stated Wednesday, making it the first state to establish and end a public health action that experts say is one of the most successful ways to slow down the spread of coronavirus.
What We Know:
- This new executive order ending the statewide mask mandate, effective Wednesday at 5 p.m. and expiring Nov. 11 after the presidential election, will also limit group meetings where social distancing is impossible to 20 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
- According to the order, these restrictions do not apply to voting precincts, religious organizations, and schools. Reeves will not be extending it.
- Reeves states he believes that wearing a mask does help prevent coronavirus spread and that the mandate has been useful, but disputed that keeping it in place would lead to government overreach.
- Mississippi’s statewide mask orders have been in place since Aug. 4. Governor Reeves has decided to expand the order several times since then. On Wednesday, he stated that the decreasing number of confirmed virus cases and hospitalizations are positive outcomes that call for the termination of some restrictions.
- Reeves stated there would be some limitations on the number of people allowed in restaurants, bars, and other businesses. College football games have already begun in Mississippi, and Reeves stated the people would be asked to wear masks when attending games. Masks will also be required at the annual Mississippi State Fair, which starts next week in Jackson.
- Despite Reeves’ orders, Mayor Lynn Spruill of Starkville tweeted Wednesday afternoon that Starkville will not lift people’s use of masks in public buildings and other establishments.
The governor said if coronavirus cases start to increase again, he will reconsider putting a mask mandate back in place. At this time, cities and towns are allowed to put in place their own mask mandates.
